Looking for feedback on my tablet invention.

macrumors newbie

Hi I'm an independent inventor looking for a little feedback on my latest patent pending device. I'd like to know what iPad users might think of the function my device offers. You can see a quick video on Youtube just search PadPivot. Although I will be bringing this to market I hope this is not considered a solicitation for sales. I'm really just looking for some iPad user feedback at this point. So I'd love to hear what you think. Thanks!

macrumors regular

Hi I'm an independent inventor looking for a little feedback on my latest patent pending device. I'd like to know what iPad users might think of the function my device offers. You can see a quick video on Youtube just search PadPivot. Although I will be bringing this to market I hope this is not considered a solicitation for sales. I'm really just looking for some iPad user feedback at this point. So I'd love to hear what you think. Thanks!

Looks good so far, I like the rotating/swiveling capabilities while having it on your lap/leg.

What is it constructed from? Plastic or Metal?

The video doesnt exactly show the swivel mechanism so I dont know how exactly it rotates but I think I did see some sharp edges on the base and to have it on my leg/lap for a period of time with hard edges and weight of the ipad I woudnt want them to start cutting into my leg.

My other concern is when you rest the ipad in it vertically i woudnt want it to topple over, maybe lining the base in a tacky gel/rubber would help it keep it in place on some slick surfaces.

Another concern with every base is make sure that you can thread the connector cable through it easily enough.

Looks good so far, I like the rotating/swiveling capabilities while having it on your lap/leg.

What is it constructed from? Plastic or Metal?

The video doesnt exactly show the swivel mechanism so I dont know how exactly it rotates but I think I did see some sharp edges on the base and to have it on my leg/lap for a period of time with hard edges and weight of the ipad I woudnt want them to start cutting into my leg.

My other concern is when you rest the ipad in it vertically i woudnt want it to topple over, maybe lining the base in a tacky gel/rubber would help it keep it in place on some slick surfaces.

Another concern with every base is make sure that you can thread the connector cable through it easily enough.

Do you have any ideas on pricing yet?

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Thanks Zodiak for taking a look and posting the youtube link! What you saw was a prototype. It is foldable, made of plastic with high grip silicone on the underside and edges. It also has an optional strap but it would only be necessary when used on an extreme angle. Im curious to get feedback on the function and maybe what users might be willing to pay for a device that offers such function.
Here is an image.

macrumors regular

I like it. I was looking for something like this when I was using a Belkin Grip Vue. I sold that case but might buy it again if this works as advertised.

Just to throw something out there I'd say a $20 price point sounds about right to me. It's hard to judge without having it in my hand. I just can't see paying more than that for any kind of "stand". If it works well I'd like to buy one for work and for home/travel.

macrumors regular

I like seeing more details now in the pictures, thank you. Here are a few more questions for you.

It seems that the ipad is attached to the unit with a suction cup but im uncertain how well this method holds up plus do you think it would work with people with membrane line scratch shields for the back of their ipads or some types of cases?

Im assuming the blue highlighted areas are to bring attention to features and will be white just like in the video?

I'm uncertain from the pictures if the suction area is 1 solid part or a male and female part, one attaching to the ipad and then attaching to the female?

Are you planning on having an underside suction cup you can twist to attach/detach? it looks like it could be used on a car dash area.

As for pricing, im unsure, there are many ipad stands/mounts. Doing a simple search will reveal many. We talk about most of them here on this forum. Many of them are seriously overpriced.

Interesting product so far

After looking the video over I have some concerns. if using it with the rotating arm assembly near a large flat surface, the short length of the arm seems to impede movement at an angle, would it be possible at all to make the arm extend and adjustable? something like tubes within tubes that you can just tighten to adjust?

Not having a demo model I cant say if the seemingly short length of the arm is a problem or not.

thread startermacrumors newbie

After looking the video over I have some concerns. if using it with the rotating arm assembly near a large flat surface, the short length of the arm seems to impede movement at an angle, would it be possible at all to make the arm extend and adjustable? something like tubes within tubes that you can just tighten to adjust?

Not having a demo model I cant say if the seemingly short length of the arm is a problem or not.

Just ideas

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Good eye Zodiak, the final design does adjust for height and the legs are missed.

thread startermacrumors newbie

I would suggest having a version in black. The iPad is black so not sure why some stands dont offer a matching colour.

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Just kicking around colours now. One idea was black with a grey rubber on the underside. The other was white with light grey rubber or two tones of grey. One tone for the upper and a darker tone on the bottom. Do you think brite colours would be a turn off?

macrumors member

Just kicking around colours now. One idea was black with a grey rubber on the underside. The other was white with light grey rubber or two tones of grey. One tone for the upper and a darker tone on the bottom. Do you think brite colours would be a turn off?

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I like the black/grey rubber idea. For me certainly bright colours are a big no no as I want the focus to be the iPad. Others may disagree with me though but thats my preference.

thread startermacrumors newbie

No website yet? It's hard to tell hot it actually functions so Iv'e got no input.

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I'm not selling yet. Just finilizing the design and looking for a little feed back from iPad users on the function as shown in the video. Maybe I'll post some more renderings so you can get a better look of the 3D models. The prototype you see in the video is hand made the next run will be rapid prototypes and will be much closer to the final product. I'll give you a better look when I have them...if you are interested.

macrumors regular

I think it has potential and will interest people looking for this option.

When I saw the pic posted, immediately I thought it would be great for driving/flight games and sure enough the video emphasized on that. As for typing and browsing on the couch, again great way to show that ability.

As long as it's light, simple, portable and most importantly reasonably priced, I can see it taking off.

thread startermacrumors newbie

I think it has potential and will interest people looking for this option.

When I saw the pic posted, immediately I thought it would be great for driving/flight games and sure enough the video emphasized on that. As for typing and browsing on the couch, again great way to show that ability.

As long as it's light, simple, portable and most importantly reasonably priced, I can see it taking off.

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Prot0type...nice handle. Thanks for the reply. What would you feel is a reasonable price for the function.

thread startermacrumors newbie

Somewhere between $24.99 and $39.99 maybe. I'm not sure that many are willing to pay a premium just for conveinence.

Something else to consider is that it doesn't have to be marketed solely to the iPad. Owners of ereaders and possibly other tablets may be interested.

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You're correct about other tablets and it is being designed to accommodate them. I appreciate your feedback.
I'm posting another image here because the earlier on is rather small. Don't mind the funky colour the final product will likely be black with grey rubber bottom or white with grey.

thread startermacrumors newbie

I cannot trust that suction cup with my iPad that's fir sure. I would think it will not be a good idea to use that.

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Would you have an issue with the soft loop portion of a Velcro disc being stuck to the back of your iPad? I understand for some people it would be a sin to stick anything over the apple logo while for others if they could have this function in a lap device they wouldn't have an issue.

macrumors G3

Would you have an issue with the soft loop portion of a Velcro disc being stuck to the back of your iPad? I understand for some people it would be a sin to stick anything over the apple logo while for others if they could have this function in a lap device they wouldn't have an issue.

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Of course, most people would not stick anything like that on their iPad. If you cannot confirm that your current design with that small suction cup works every time and never loses it's suction than it will be a problem imo.
I would suggest that you don't start with attitude and handle criticism with peace

thread startermacrumors newbie

Of course, most people would not stick anything like that on their iPad. If you cannot confirm that your current design with that small suction cup works every time and never loses it's suction than it will be a problem imo.
I would suggest that you don't start with attitude and handle criticism with peace

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The good thing is I have a method that will not have to rely on a suction cup to support the iPad or rely on sticking anything to your pad. Just received rapid prototypes and so far so good. At this point I'm interested in what iPad users think of the form and functions shown in the video and pictures not so much how I will attach to the IPad, although it's good to know that sticking anything on the Pad is a no no.

macrumors newbie

The good thing is I have a method that will not have to rely on a suction cup to support the iPad or rely on sticking anything to your pad. Just received rapid prototypes and so far so good. At this point I'm interested in what iPad users think of the form and functions shown in the video and pictures not so much how I will attach to the IPad, although it's good to know that sticking anything on the Pad is a no no.

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Looking good PadPivot... I hope you get into production soon! My idea is a far simpler solution with an RRP of £9.99 ($14.99) ~ so I am not sure if you can manufacture your item commercially for an RRP of less than $22 ~ question is will people pay that?

thread startermacrumors newbie

Looking good PadPivot... I hope you get into production soon! My idea is a far simpler solution with an RRP of £9.99 ($14.99) ~ so I am not sure if you can manufacture your item commercially for an RRP of less than $22 ~ question is will people pay that?

If your manufacture price goes up, your RRP goes up significantly! This is where expensive packaging starts to impact on the finished goods price!

Good luck getting to market, and if I can be of help at all, send me a PM.

Regards
Adam @ PadStand

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Thanks Adam, nice to see another independent developer looking for feedback. The nice thing about my design is that it can fit in your pocket, function as a stand in all formats offering a wide range of angles/slopes and the big bonus is that it can be used on your lap and is fully rotational Great for gaming. Another interesting feature is that it is compatible with the Kindle and other tablets even iPhone or the touch. My purpose of posting here was to hopefully garner a bit of feedback to see if iPad users might be interested to have all this function in a compact design. Like you I am an independent developer looking for feedback but I am not selling yet.

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